The Washington Capitals will look to stun the NHL world once again with a Game 2 win Thursday against the top-seeded Florida Panthers in hopes of taking a commanding 2-0 series lead. However, they’ll have to do so with one of their more complete players in forward Tom Wilson.
Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette announced early Thursday morning, Wilson will be out for tonight’s Game 2 with a lower body injury.
Laviolette would not speculate on Wilson’s availability for Saturday’s Game 3.
Tom Wilson was injured in the first period of Tuesday’s Game 1 win. He had a mere one minute and 31 seconds of ice time in the game. He was seen leaving the bench shortly after his power play goal at the 3:48 mark in the game.
Wilson did not return to the bench throughout the game. But, he came out and skated around the rink during a TV timeout in the second period. Afterwards he briefly talked to the team’s trainer before going directly back to the locker room.
He received treatment during the off day Wednesday. Yet, he won’t be on the ice for the Capitals.
With Wilson out, the Capitals recalled rookie forward Brett Leason. Laviolette has chosen to jumble the lines for Game 2.
Leason played in 36 games this season for Washington with three goals and three assists. He draws in at right wing on the fourth line. Garnet Hathaway moves up to the third line and T.J. Oshie, who scored the game-winner Tuesday, slides up to second.
